Carl Anderson,
Ph.D. has been a creator and performer of entertainment for
children, families and adults for over 20 years. With his wife and partner,
Peyton Hayslip, he founded thistlemouse productions. Anderson tours
individually as a storyteller, speaker, and monologist to schools, festivals and
churches and has been called Central Texas' Best Storyteller
(Austin Chronicle). He has written a variety of theatrical productions,
some child focused (Hold On To Your Dreams, Tales of the North Pole,
etc.), and others for adults (Have Faith?, Searching for Santa and Finding
Hope, etc.).
Anderson has portrayed Santa Claus for over 20
years. His uncanny similarity in appearance, and uniquely warm, sensitive,
and loving portrayal have resulted in him being named "... one of the country's
premier Santas..." (CBS Evening News), and "... the closest thing to
Santa Claus since Edmund Gwen held Natalie Wood on his lap in Miracle on
34th Street."(Los Angeles Magazine). A licensed psychologist,
Anderson focused his dissertation research on kids and Santa, and co-wrote
"All I Want For Christmas Is... Letters from Santa's Mailbag",
a collection of children's letters to Santa. He has been featured on
CBS, NPR, and CNN, and the subject of articles in People,
Life, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and called
the world's foremost Santa expert.
Anderson's award nominated "Searching for
Santa and Finding Hope" is a thoughtful, charming, and inspirational
monologue chronicling his 20+ years portraying Santa. The forthrightness,
humor and heartbreak of what children share forms, "... a winning
autobiographical tale... hilarious"(Austin American Statesman) and "...
an extraordinary blend of humor, pathos, and intelligence... stories as warm and
wonderful as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night." (Austin
Chronicle). A feature film version of Dr. Anderson's "Searching
For Santa" is currently being marketed to major film festivals under the
title "The Real Santa".
Please contact Carl directly for performance
bookings at carl@thistlemouse.com, or (512) 320-8536. For print, commercial, TV, or film appearances
please contact db Talent at dbtalent@austin.rr.com or (512) 292-1030.
